Modi, Macron sign naval deal with eye on China
NEW DELHI: French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday said defence ties with India had reached a new high after the two nations signed a key security accord for the Indian Ocean to counter China’s growing influence in the region.
“Defence cooperation between the two countries now has a new significance,” Macron said as a gushing Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood by his side.
Under the deal, India and France would open their naval bases to warships from each other, a move seen as an attempt to undermine China’s territorial ambitions.
“A strong part of our security and the world’s stability is at stake in the Indian Ocean,” Macron said.
“The Indian Ocean, like the Pacific Ocean, cannot become a place of hegemony,” he added in an apparent reference to China.
Modi, who welcomed Macron with a bear hug on his arrival on Friday, said the accord was crucial as the Indian Ocean region would play a “very significant role” in the days to come.
The comments from the leaders followed a slew of agreements signed by the two countries in the spheres of defence, space and clean energy.
Earlier, Macron talked about his personal rapport with Modi, which was established after their meeting in Paris last year.
“I think we have very good chemistry, our two great democracies have a historic relationship,” the French president said.
Modi broke protocol to receive Macron at the airport, exchanging warm hugs and handshakes.
“You welcomed me in Paris last year with an open heart and a lot of warmth. I am happy that I have got an opportunity to welcome you in India,” Modi said at the start of his speech yesterday.
Travelling with his wife Brigitte, France’s 40-year-old president will visit the monument to love, the Taj Mahal.
Macron’s visit comes after a somewhat misstep-laden visit to India by Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.
Both he and Macron are often compared because of their broadly similar political views, as well as youth and good looks.
But Trudeau’s visit hit a series of embarrassing bumps and he received a fairly cool reception. He was pilloried on social media and in the Canadian press for donning traditional Indian clothing at every opportunity.
And there were red faces when it emerged a former Sikh militant was invited to a dinner with him in Mumbai. Macron has so far opted for more sober and predictable dress — a dark suit.